Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesman for the House of Representatives, stated that Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts with South Africa in response to xenophobic attacks are yielding positive results.
Agbese appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today during the broadcast on Monday.
When questioned about whether Nigeria should have imposed stricter measures in response to the attacks on its citizens in South Africa, Agbese responded, “No. I believe that the diplomatic efforts we have initiated are already having a positive effect.”
He mentioned that Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, is also in discussions with the South African government regarding the issue.
“And today, by the grace of God, a group of South Africans are leading the Ubuntu movement. This initiative is dedicated to promoting peace and love throughout Africa,” he stated.
He claims that individuals migrate for a variety of reasons, not primarily due to “hardship.”
He said that, as he mentioned earlier, it is indeed a significant issue for South Africa and also for the nations whose citizens are seeking refuge by leaving their home countries.
According to a tally by AFP, which is based on figures from African nations that have repatriated their citizens, over 176,000 people have left South Africa in recent weeks due to a resurgence of xenophobic attacks.
According to the South African police, at least four migrants have lost their lives in the violence. However, several foreign governments report a higher death toll.
Ghana, known for its vocal criticism of the deadly assaults, has urged the African Union to hold a debate on anti-migrant violence at their upcoming summit early next year.
Nigeria, having faced diplomatic tensions with South Africa due to repeated attacks on its citizens, has similarly advocated for bringing the issue onto the AU’s agenda.
Nigeria has brought back 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa, whereas Ghana has returned a minimum of 926 nationals.
